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Thirsty Mermaids
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Graphic Novels & Comics (2021)Fresh out of shipwreck wine, three tipsy mermaids—Pearl, Tooth, and Eez—hit on the idea of magically masquerading as humans and sneaking onto land to indulge in much more drinking and a whole lot of fun right in the heart of a local seaside tourist trap. But the good times abruptly end the next morning when, through the haze of killer hangovers, the trio realizes they never actually learned how to break the spell, and are now stuck on land for the foreseeable future. Which means everything from: enlisting the aid of their I-know-we-just-met-but-can-we-crash-with-you bartender friend, struggling to make sense of the human world around them, to even trying to get jobs with zero skill sets . . . all while attempting to somehow return to the sea and making the most of their current situation with tenacity and camaraderie (especially if someone else is buying).
256 pages, Hardcover
First published February 9, 2021
55 people are currently reading
14108 people want to read
About the author
Kat Leyh
120 books560 followersKat Leyh is a Chicago based writer and artist. She’s best known as the current co-writer and cover artist for the series Lumberjanes, and for her queer superhero webcomic Supercakes. She’s also worked as a cover artist, and back-up writer/artist for several BOOM! Studios series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 834 reviews
April 5, 2021
Three mermaids run out of beer while they are drunk and get the bright idea to become human so they can go on dry land and get more beer. The only problem is magic no longer works as a human. Befriended by a local bartender, these three have to figure out how to live as humans by getting jobs and paying rent.
I really like how all different body types are represented. However, the art is quite rudimentary. Still it's a quick, entertaining read.
Received a review copy from Gallery 13 and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
I really like how all different body types are represented. However, the art is quite rudimentary. Still it's a quick, entertaining read.
Received a review copy from Gallery 13 and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
January 11, 2022
I'm not going to lie. This was a lot better than I expected. Thirsty Mermaids is about two mermaids and a sea witch who decide to randomly transform themselves into humans because the need more alcohol (they loveeeeee to drink). Once on the land, the three have a difficult time adjusting to human life but are able to make a friend that helps them get acclimated. I was not expecting this graphic novel to be as funny as it was. It starts off a little on the rough side, but eventually the characters begin to grow on you and as a reader you enjoy their awkwardness. While it is humorous, I was surprised to see that it also tackled some really deep topics like body dysmorphia and anxiety. Two of the characters, Tooth and Pearl, have an easy time adjusting to life as humans and find it quite entertaining. Unfortunately, Eek has a lot of trouble adjusting and wants nothing more than to find the right spell to change them back. When she begins to struggle more and more to find the spell, readers see Eek slip into a sort of depression that makes the read more emotional than anticipated. Even with all of the jokes and silliness, it is clear that this is also a story about true bonds and friendship. The illustrations weren't the most complex, but I thought that they worked really well for the story. And I absolutely loved the color palette for a lot of the panels especially those that included cooler colors that would coincide with the ocean. This was a cute little gem that I wasn't expecting to enjoy as much as I did. I genuinely can see myself reading this again sometime soon and I can't wait to check out more from Kat Leyh.
February 9, 2021
"We may be on land but we're STILL US!"
It's a hilarious fish-out-of-water story when three mermaids decide to try living life as landlubbers for a while. They're having the time of their lives until the sea witch realizes she doesn't know how to change their legs back into fins, and they might just have to stay humans . . . permanently.
This was a blast - watching the three gals living it up on the town - "Three alcohols, please!" - before hangovers and reality set in, and the ladies realize the seriousness of their situation. I enjoyed their attempts to fit in, including getting jobs, and I LOVED the fact that they were not drawn as your typical lovely, fin-tailed sirens. And, while I wasn't overly crazy about the artwork, it did fit pretty well with the frenzied, wacky tone of the story.
*Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for a sneak peek at this fun title.
It's a hilarious fish-out-of-water story when three mermaids decide to try living life as landlubbers for a while. They're having the time of their lives until the sea witch realizes she doesn't know how to change their legs back into fins, and they might just have to stay humans . . . permanently.
This was a blast - watching the three gals living it up on the town - "Three alcohols, please!" - before hangovers and reality set in, and the ladies realize the seriousness of their situation. I enjoyed their attempts to fit in, including getting jobs, and I LOVED the fact that they were not drawn as your typical lovely, fin-tailed sirens. And, while I wasn't overly crazy about the artwork, it did fit pretty well with the frenzied, wacky tone of the story.
*Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for a sneak peek at this fun title.
July 1, 2021
Three mermaids recklessly transform themselves into humans in a quest for alcohol. What they didn't expect to find on land was capitalism or the identity crises that come from being stuck in a body that's not your own. Luckily, a kind human takes them under her wing and lets them crash in her apartment as they attempt to get jobs. Tooth and Pearl take the challenges in stride, but deep-sea-eel-witch Eez feels trapped and panicky cut off from the magic of the ocean. The book starts rather silly and light and I was very glad that it got more deep and emotional as it went a long. Absolutely gorgeous artwork- Kat Leyh is one of my favorites cartoonists out there.
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May 23, 2023Parecía que en los años 80 y 90 ya se había explorado en todas sus facetas ese tropo tan fascinante de «sirenas que se embarcan en una aventura terrestre», pero entonces ha llegado Kat Leyh para reinventar esta idea, actualizarla y convertirla en un cómic divertidísimo y gamberrísimo.
En «Sirenas borrachas» se nos cuenta la historia de tres sirenas que, hartas de ser las marginadas de su entorno, abrazan una vida de trastadas y despendole. Cuando se les acaban las reservas de vino de un antiguo galeón hundido, no les queda otro remedio que aventurarse a tierra firme para seguir la fiesta. Y allí, como no podía ser de otra manera, se quedan maravilladas y horrorizadas con el estilo de vida de esos seres con dos piernas.
Anticapitalista, queer y la mar de divertida, este cómic cuenta una historia sobre la amistad, sobre la necesidad de encajar en un grupo y sobre las cosas que damos por normales que no lo son tanto. Es una lectura absolutamente encantadora llena de personajes que permanecen en la memoria del público lector.
En «Sirenas borrachas» se nos cuenta la historia de tres sirenas que, hartas de ser las marginadas de su entorno, abrazan una vida de trastadas y despendole. Cuando se les acaban las reservas de vino de un antiguo galeón hundido, no les queda otro remedio que aventurarse a tierra firme para seguir la fiesta. Y allí, como no podía ser de otra manera, se quedan maravilladas y horrorizadas con el estilo de vida de esos seres con dos piernas.
Anticapitalista, queer y la mar de divertida, este cómic cuenta una historia sobre la amistad, sobre la necesidad de encajar en un grupo y sobre las cosas que damos por normales que no lo son tanto. Es una lectura absolutamente encantadora llena de personajes que permanecen en la memoria del público lector.
December 7, 2020
I wasn't really liking this to start with. The humor felt forced and over done and it really put me off. However, as I went on, I grew to love the quirky and unique characters...
This is about a ”pod” of mermaids who decide to cast a spell to go on land to drink booze. Only to realize too late that they have no idea how to turn back into mermaids and are now stuck on land. Recipe for an interesting story right? Well I agree. The moral being about found family and being unapologetically yourself. To love yourself inside and out. And the added bonus being that the graphics/ colors were absolutely stunning!!
As I previously stated, I adored the characters and their individuality. They're definitely not what you would imagine a mermaid to be and I was here for it! There was so much diversity in all of the different characters and it was really refreshing to see so many different kinds of people represented. I loved getting to see what it would be like for a mermaid (mermaids with big personalities for that matter) to be on land and how they navigated everything. There were parts that definitely had me giggling!
I do wish that it was mentioned some where that this isn't intended for kids though 😅 The cover is very eye catching and I can see it appealing to a child. Plus, where a lot of the authors other works are intended for kids, I can see this being confused for a child's graphic novel.
Over all, I enjoyed this and can see me picking up more by the author. This just wasn't a favorite graphic novel of mine. But I do recommend giving it a read if it seems like something you'd like!
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the E-ARC!!
This is about a ”pod” of mermaids who decide to cast a spell to go on land to drink booze. Only to realize too late that they have no idea how to turn back into mermaids and are now stuck on land. Recipe for an interesting story right? Well I agree. The moral being about found family and being unapologetically yourself. To love yourself inside and out. And the added bonus being that the graphics/ colors were absolutely stunning!!
As I previously stated, I adored the characters and their individuality. They're definitely not what you would imagine a mermaid to be and I was here for it! There was so much diversity in all of the different characters and it was really refreshing to see so many different kinds of people represented. I loved getting to see what it would be like for a mermaid (mermaids with big personalities for that matter) to be on land and how they navigated everything. There were parts that definitely had me giggling!
I do wish that it was mentioned some where that this isn't intended for kids though 😅 The cover is very eye catching and I can see it appealing to a child. Plus, where a lot of the authors other works are intended for kids, I can see this being confused for a child's graphic novel.
Over all, I enjoyed this and can see me picking up more by the author. This just wasn't a favorite graphic novel of mine. But I do recommend giving it a read if it seems like something you'd like!
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the E-ARC!!
January 6, 2023
Three friends from the sea go on a magical adventure on the land- and can't recall the magic to return to the sea.
Thirsty Mermaids is a fun tale for teens or the young at heart that explores the themes of friendship, self sufficiency and belonging.
At first, the merfolk and sea witch believe they don't have any skills that could translate to jobs on land. But after exploring what they are already inclined to do, they find their way into situations that fit them quite well.
The sea witch's task, to find a way to break the spell, is more difficult. She has to go on a soul-searching mission which, as we all know, is one of the hardest tasks of all.
The artwork of Thirsty Mermaids is quite similar to Lumberjanes, Vol. 1: Beware the Kitten Holy, another graphic novel which I love. The reason for this is because Kat Leyh is a co-author of Lumberjanes.
Both works share messages of acceptance and body positivity, the kind of messages which always deserve reminders.
I enjoyed this graphic novel very much. Highly recommended.
Thirsty Mermaids is a fun tale for teens or the young at heart that explores the themes of friendship, self sufficiency and belonging.
At first, the merfolk and sea witch believe they don't have any skills that could translate to jobs on land. But after exploring what they are already inclined to do, they find their way into situations that fit them quite well.
The sea witch's task, to find a way to break the spell, is more difficult. She has to go on a soul-searching mission which, as we all know, is one of the hardest tasks of all.
The artwork of Thirsty Mermaids is quite similar to Lumberjanes, Vol. 1: Beware the Kitten Holy, another graphic novel which I love. The reason for this is because Kat Leyh is a co-author of Lumberjanes.
Both works share messages of acceptance and body positivity, the kind of messages which always deserve reminders.
I enjoyed this graphic novel very much. Highly recommended.
April 4, 2021
This is a goddamn DELIGHT. Gorgeous art, hilarious, and just non-stop weird queer fun from start to finish.
March 3, 2021
Pearl, Tooth, and Eez are hard-partying mermaids who awake one day with the worst hangovers . . . and legs! . . . in this literal fish-out-of-water story. I'll admit, it took me a while to warm up to the obnoxious trio, but their friendship and growth won me over.
It's a delightful new take on an old fairy tale, loaded up with the good stuff: diversity, positive body images, LGBTQ+, humor, adventure, nudity, and swearing.
Highly recommended! And check out Ley's Snapdragon too. She's really on a roll!
It's a delightful new take on an old fairy tale, loaded up with the good stuff: diversity, positive body images, LGBTQ+, humor, adventure, nudity, and swearing.
Highly recommended! And check out Ley's Snapdragon too. She's really on a roll!
January 15, 2021
I was sent this book as an advance copy by the publisher via NetGalley for reviewing purposes, but all opinions are my own.
This was a seriously wholesome comic about a pod of three tipsy mermaids venturing on land but not knowing how to get back because they're stranded (hah) in a coastal city without magic to turn back into their original bodies. I think saying more than this would spoil the fun, and while this might not work for everyone, it did work for me with its mix of humor, tender found family feelings and captivatingly honest art.
I really loved the casual diverse rep: the mermaids have different body types, there's queer and trans characters of color, there's anxiety (and depression?) rep. Despite its overall wholesome feel, the comic doesn't shy away from showing difficult moments, but it's at its heart a hopeful story that took me by surprise and I would recommend checking out if you're into diverse graphic novels.
TWs: getting drunk, discussion and portrayal of body dysmorphia, accidental almost-drowning that can be interpreted as the character being suicidal
This was a seriously wholesome comic about a pod of three tipsy mermaids venturing on land but not knowing how to get back because they're stranded (hah) in a coastal city without magic to turn back into their original bodies. I think saying more than this would spoil the fun, and while this might not work for everyone, it did work for me with its mix of humor, tender found family feelings and captivatingly honest art.
I really loved the casual diverse rep: the mermaids have different body types, there's queer and trans characters of color, there's anxiety (and depression?) rep. Despite its overall wholesome feel, the comic doesn't shy away from showing difficult moments, but it's at its heart a hopeful story that took me by surprise and I would recommend checking out if you're into diverse graphic novels.
TWs: getting drunk, discussion and portrayal of body dysmorphia, accidental almost-drowning that can be interpreted as the character being suicidal
February 8, 2021
If you're like me and read and enjoyed Snapdragon last year, then you will be excited to hear that Kat Leyh has a new book out. This book features a pod made up of two mermaids and a sea witch. They realize they are out of wine from shipwrecks and NEED.MORE.BOOZE so the sea witch casts a spell on them to turn them into humans. They make their way to a coastal community in search of booze. They aren't quite familiar with human ways, so show up on the boardwalk naked. They quickly get some clothes by various means and eventually find a bar call The Thirsty Mermaid where they befriend the bartender who tries to help them out. This was a fun romp of a book, with lots of girl power, messages about mental health, LGBTQ representation and body positivity.
Thank you to the publisher for the lovely review copy!
Thank you to the publisher for the lovely review copy!
June 10, 2025
rating: 4.25★
such an adorable story about a pod of three mermaid besties who get into some trouble after having a little too much to drink. they turn themselves into humans to imbibe some more... and then realize they don't know how to turn back!
they learn about the highs and lows of being human, from making friends and searching for treasure to CAPITALISM and JOB HUNTING (oh the horror). super cute, queer, touches on some deeper topics, and overall a very sweet found family.
would 100% let them turn me into a mermaid for the day, they'd be a blast to hang with.
such an adorable story about a pod of three mermaid besties who get into some trouble after having a little too much to drink. they turn themselves into humans to imbibe some more... and then realize they don't know how to turn back!
they learn about the highs and lows of being human, from making friends and searching for treasure to CAPITALISM and JOB HUNTING (oh the horror). super cute, queer, touches on some deeper topics, and overall a very sweet found family.
would 100% let them turn me into a mermaid for the day, they'd be a blast to hang with.
April 1, 2022
Three drunken mermaids (oops, two merfolk and a seawitch) venture on land for more wine. Through a spell, Pearl, Tooth, and Eez transform into humans. To their delight they discover a bar, The Thirsty Mermaid, and have the time of their lives. The next day brings hangovers and the realization that Eez does not know how to cast a spell to revert them back to themselves. Vivi, the bartender, befriends them believing they are humans down on their luck and lets them stay with her as long as they work. Pearl and Tooth learn about money, jobs, and capitalism while Eez tries to break the spell for them to return to the sea. Vivi and her skeptical sister, Angel, try to help. This graphic novel is not for kids as there is nudity, alcohol, and more.
June 10, 2022
Entretenido, loco, original y la mar de inclusivo. Me lo he pasado genial leyéndolo, aunque también es cierto que esperaba más sentimiento, con lo mucho que me emocionó Snapdragon por lo bonito y cuqui y divertido que fue.
February 24, 2022
Sorry this is dumb. It does get better as it goes but overall it's stupid. Two mermaids and a sea witch run out of alcohol (which they find on sunken ships) so they decide to turn themselves into humans just to find more booze. Of course, they then have trouble figuring out how to go back into the sea as mermaids. There's a tiny story line about friendship mixed in so that's why three stars instead of two.
September 5, 2024
Dudaba de que me fuese a gustar porque la portada y el título son completamente horrendos, por suerte me fié de Kat Leyh y no volveré a dudar de ella! Una vez más me han encantado los personajes y la comunidad que se crea en este comic, es muy chulo y seguro que lo leo muchas veces más...
⚠ Aviso: cada día dudo un poco más pero estoy pensando en mudarme definitivamente a Storygraph (cansada de darle mis datos a Jeff Bezos). Quiero seguir viendo lo que leen mis amigas e imagino que no os vais a mudar todas conmigo así que? Acabaré haciéndolo? Os iré informando en estas posdatas jjj (mi perfil)⚠
⚠ Aviso: cada día dudo un poco más pero estoy pensando en mudarme definitivamente a Storygraph (cansada de darle mis datos a Jeff Bezos). Quiero seguir viendo lo que leen mis amigas e imagino que no os vais a mudar todas conmigo así que? Acabaré haciéndolo? Os iré informando en estas posdatas jjj (mi perfil)⚠
June 16, 2022
I’m crushed. Kate Leyh's books can be hit-or-miss, but I had high hopes for this one. The exploration of human culture from mermaids’ povs was fun, but it won’t stay with me.
➸ Trigger warnings for .
▷ Representation: fat, trans, and queer characters.
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • Twitter • Instagram
➸ Trigger warnings for .
▷ Representation: fat, trans, and queer characters.
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • Twitter • Instagram
July 3, 2021
What a boisterous, joyful, voluptuous romp! A really fun fantasy world full of mermaids and magick, where everyone is some degree of queer, some degree of sweetly fragile, has a nontraditional body type, is working hard to find themselves, and is right there to save someone else just at the most important moment. Certainly a bit wish-fulfill-y, but very loving all around. 🌊🌊🌊
April 20, 2021
Want a funny, irreverent, LGBTQ- & body-image positive book? Here's a hysterical read for adult readers from the creator of LUMBERJANES.
I knew this author/creative from her previous graphic novels, so I knew I'd be in for a fun read, regardless of its plot or focus.
I didn't expect this raucous (yet at-times-serious) journey of three mermaids adjusting to life on land. Their plots are easy metaphors for outsiders discovering their personal places in the world. I loved the positivity of the characters regardless of their conflicts and situations. I loved the normalcy of these characters, despite their mermaid-out-of-water origins; even more, I loved the acceptance everyone finds because they’re not limited by predefined social norms.
Were it not for the everpresent alcohol consumption throughout the book, I'd say this is a perfect read for teens seeking those who support them for who they are and for those looking to feel comfortable in their own skins.
As it is, I'd still recommend this book for mature teens or adults looking for a good story with heart and soul.
I knew this author/creative from her previous graphic novels, so I knew I'd be in for a fun read, regardless of its plot or focus.
I didn't expect this raucous (yet at-times-serious) journey of three mermaids adjusting to life on land. Their plots are easy metaphors for outsiders discovering their personal places in the world. I loved the positivity of the characters regardless of their conflicts and situations. I loved the normalcy of these characters, despite their mermaid-out-of-water origins; even more, I loved the acceptance everyone finds because they’re not limited by predefined social norms.
Were it not for the everpresent alcohol consumption throughout the book, I'd say this is a perfect read for teens seeking those who support them for who they are and for those looking to feel comfortable in their own skins.
As it is, I'd still recommend this book for mature teens or adults looking for a good story with heart and soul.
August 17, 2023
Queer mermaids decide to get drunk on land and learn about the human world.
The art was cute and it had a surprising depth
The art was cute and it had a surprising depth
September 4, 2021
The audacity of this white woman to represent a trans Black Filipino woman by throwing in random Tagalog dialogue and DRAWING THE FILIPINO FLAG WRONG.
Overall I was pretty disappointed in this book. I liked Snapdragon even though I have issues with it, but this was such a let down in comparison. Snapdragon is a weirdly mature middle grade and this was a weirdly immature *checks notes* adult graphic novel. In all honesty it reads more like a YA considering it's got that "teenagers discovering what jobs are" vibe all over it.
The humor in this book is so obnoxiously juvenile. It literally starts with one of the mermaids burping. The rest of the comic relies on immature "HUHU NAKED WOMEN! BOOBS! FARTS!" slapstick. It feels like how people think adult media just means you can add superficial gore, swearing or naked people and not I dunno-experiences adults can actually relate to.
I get the story, I get what the shenanigans are about and what they're for, but it's the way they're presented that makes this so obnoxious, tiring and frustrating to read through. I even get what the characters are going through, but I didn't really connect to them because of how the humor robs any kind of sincerity from coming through in this story.
I like the art, Kat Leyh is obviously a very capable comic artist. The characters are drawn in such lovingly diverse ways, but it leaves a bad taste in my mouth knowing this white artist is going to get praise for sloppily misrepresenting Filipinos.
And just as a nitpick-I'm annoyed with how Leyh keeps trying to avoid saying "trans" in her work all while whitewashing the intersectional experiences of trans BIPOC in her books. It was cringey enough in Snapdragon, but seeing it here again in a supposed adult book just feels cowardly. This isn't animation, just say the word geez.
Overall, this was a drag to read! If you want media centering the adult experiences of women with tasteful tone and unique humor, just watch Tuca and Bertie. If you want mermaids learning how to navigate human life, just watch Pixar's Luca.
Overall I was pretty disappointed in this book. I liked Snapdragon even though I have issues with it, but this was such a let down in comparison. Snapdragon is a weirdly mature middle grade and this was a weirdly immature *checks notes* adult graphic novel. In all honesty it reads more like a YA considering it's got that "teenagers discovering what jobs are" vibe all over it.
The humor in this book is so obnoxiously juvenile. It literally starts with one of the mermaids burping. The rest of the comic relies on immature "HUHU NAKED WOMEN! BOOBS! FARTS!" slapstick. It feels like how people think adult media just means you can add superficial gore, swearing or naked people and not I dunno-experiences adults can actually relate to.
I get the story, I get what the shenanigans are about and what they're for, but it's the way they're presented that makes this so obnoxious, tiring and frustrating to read through. I even get what the characters are going through, but I didn't really connect to them because of how the humor robs any kind of sincerity from coming through in this story.
I like the art, Kat Leyh is obviously a very capable comic artist. The characters are drawn in such lovingly diverse ways, but it leaves a bad taste in my mouth knowing this white artist is going to get praise for sloppily misrepresenting Filipinos.
And just as a nitpick-I'm annoyed with how Leyh keeps trying to avoid saying "trans" in her work all while whitewashing the intersectional experiences of trans BIPOC in her books. It was cringey enough in Snapdragon, but seeing it here again in a supposed adult book just feels cowardly. This isn't animation, just say the word geez.
Overall, this was a drag to read! If you want media centering the adult experiences of women with tasteful tone and unique humor, just watch Tuca and Bertie. If you want mermaids learning how to navigate human life, just watch Pixar's Luca.
July 6, 2021
This was so quirky and weird and fun! It's about these three mermaids who cast a spell and become humans except they are not prepared and they have no way to get back. This leads to them befriending a local bartender and getting a drunk off their asses and having some hard lessons about capitalism. This book is so weird guys. Our main characters are VERY unique and will have you laughing the entire time. Tooth is big and brawny and known for taking the teeth of the sharks she fights, Pearl is cute and hefty with her piercings and shaved head and love of crop tops or no tops, and Eez is actually a sea witch with a case of body dysphoria who gets told one too many times to put a shirt on to be in the bar 😂
These three are troublemakers and anxiety inducing to any type A people, but they are a family (I'm convinced they're all aspec and in a QPR but it's not canon) and they're gonna find a way back to the sea together.
They meet their fair share of helpful friends along the way like a trans bartender named Vivi who's too kind for her own good and opens up her home to the girls. Then there's Vivi's sister and her sibling in law who help with the science aspects of the ocean. Can forget Jim and Spud, the old gay couple who dives in shipwrecks and helps find treasure.
This graphic novel is an adventure and a great one at that. I can't recommend it enough.
Rep: 2 fat MCs, trans, queer, Black, and gay side characters. Non canon aspec rep.
CW: alcohol
These three are troublemakers and anxiety inducing to any type A people, but they are a family (I'm convinced they're all aspec and in a QPR but it's not canon) and they're gonna find a way back to the sea together.
They meet their fair share of helpful friends along the way like a trans bartender named Vivi who's too kind for her own good and opens up her home to the girls. Then there's Vivi's sister and her sibling in law who help with the science aspects of the ocean. Can forget Jim and Spud, the old gay couple who dives in shipwrecks and helps find treasure.
This graphic novel is an adventure and a great one at that. I can't recommend it enough.
Rep: 2 fat MCs, trans, queer, Black, and gay side characters. Non canon aspec rep.
CW: alcohol
December 3, 2021
I wanted to to love this one and really thought I would, I mean...queer, drunken mermaids getting into lusty shenanigans on land?! A reimagined Little Mermaid but with more self reliance and body positivity? Sounds perfect. But the plot is paper thin, the humor is remarkably juvenile and I didn't care much for the art either. I found it chaotic and off putting. It was all just a bit bizarre for me. Thirsty Mermaids felt more like a kid's picture book in terms of the storyline and messaging (It's okay to have friends that are different from you! Chubby folks can be sexy and competent too!). But then it was too raunchy for a younger reader. Also maybe this is me being an old lady (likely); I didn't find the mermaids’ straight up desperation to be drunk all the time very funny or charming. Again, it seemed like a kid's interpretation of drinking.
July 9, 2025
just some chaotic queer mermaids trying to survive in the human world and get drunk. Good for them!!!
February 26, 2021
This book showed up in my mailbox in that beautiful brown packaging that comes from publishers. I think I may have won this as a Goodreads Giveaway, although I don't remember entering it (not entirely surprising because I enter a lot of giveaways).
However, I am so glad that I did receive this book, so thank you!
When I peeled back that brown paper, a face full of confusion that my fiancé thought I was faking, I immediately started laughing. I'm talking full-on belly laughs. I was not expecting a graphic novel titled "Thirsty Mermaids" to be in my hands.
I was hooked from page one. This is a full-color, beautifully illustrated, thick graphic novel. The best part: these pages are not glossy. They are pure ink and pure paper, which smells fantastic.
Okay, enough of the book-nerd geeking.
The story itself is surprisingly beautiful, considering the concept of the book. I only read the first paragraph of the synopsis because I prefer going into all of my books blind and the gist of the story is this: three mermaids walk into a bar.
I'm not even joking. The story starts out under the sea, where these mermaids are trying to get more alcohol. They run out and are unable to produce more of it. One of them comes up with the idea of salvaging the alcohol from "the source." Our world on land.
Even though it's forbidden, one of the mermaids is a sea witch and successfully casts a spell to give them legs. Now, all three of these land-bound mermaids try to find alcohol. After a crazy night, they wish to return home.
The sea witch realizes that she can't perform magic on land. They're stuck there.
This graphic novel is absolutely hilarious and is for adult eyes. We have tons of cursing, mild nudity, and some serious adult themes. I love the characters because they're eccentric and exciting to follow.
My favorite part of this graphic novel is that these mermaids are trying to adjust to our world after living their whole lives underwater. Pure metaphorical magic and genius.
Highly recommend!
However, I am so glad that I did receive this book, so thank you!
When I peeled back that brown paper, a face full of confusion that my fiancé thought I was faking, I immediately started laughing. I'm talking full-on belly laughs. I was not expecting a graphic novel titled "Thirsty Mermaids" to be in my hands.
I was hooked from page one. This is a full-color, beautifully illustrated, thick graphic novel. The best part: these pages are not glossy. They are pure ink and pure paper, which smells fantastic.
Okay, enough of the book-nerd geeking.
The story itself is surprisingly beautiful, considering the concept of the book. I only read the first paragraph of the synopsis because I prefer going into all of my books blind and the gist of the story is this: three mermaids walk into a bar.
I'm not even joking. The story starts out under the sea, where these mermaids are trying to get more alcohol. They run out and are unable to produce more of it. One of them comes up with the idea of salvaging the alcohol from "the source." Our world on land.
Even though it's forbidden, one of the mermaids is a sea witch and successfully casts a spell to give them legs. Now, all three of these land-bound mermaids try to find alcohol. After a crazy night, they wish to return home.
The sea witch realizes that she can't perform magic on land. They're stuck there.
This graphic novel is absolutely hilarious and is for adult eyes. We have tons of cursing, mild nudity, and some serious adult themes. I love the characters because they're eccentric and exciting to follow.
My favorite part of this graphic novel is that these mermaids are trying to adjust to our world after living their whole lives underwater. Pure metaphorical magic and genius.
Highly recommend!
April 28, 2021
Thirsty Mermaids is a weird and fun graphic novel by Kat Leyh.
Fresh out of shipwreck wine, three tipsy mermaids decide to magically masquerade as humans and sneak onto land to indulge in much more drinking and a whole lot of fun in the heart of a local seaside tourist trap.
And what a journey they have! They meet some friends and even start blending into society, sort of. There is a great amount of alcohol consumption and nudity (but what do you expect when mermaids get legs!?).
I love the idea of a found family! The two mermaids and sea witch were basically rejected from their pods, so they created their own together. And after their wild adventure, they may just add another to their pack.
Fresh out of shipwreck wine, three tipsy mermaids decide to magically masquerade as humans and sneak onto land to indulge in much more drinking and a whole lot of fun in the heart of a local seaside tourist trap.
And what a journey they have! They meet some friends and even start blending into society, sort of. There is a great amount of alcohol consumption and nudity (but what do you expect when mermaids get legs!?).
I love the idea of a found family! The two mermaids and sea witch were basically rejected from their pods, so they created their own together. And after their wild adventure, they may just add another to their pack.
May 3, 2021
Have you been in a reading rut? Have you felt sad and in need of a wholesome, feel-good read? LOOK NO FURTHER.
I'd been waiting for my THIRSTY MERMAIDS hold for what seems like foreeeever, and while I had high expectations for this one (I looooved Snapdragon), Kat Leyh's adult romp did *not* disappoint. It's got merfolk magic, bewbs, and jokes! I mean what more could anyone possibly want?
Jk jk. (Not about the bewbs, though. They're definitely in there.)
But so is a lot of emotional content! I teared up several times for real, and now all I want is to have my own mermaid pod off the coast of Puerto Rico .
So yeah, if you're looking for a funny pick-me-up, I would highly recommend this one. It honestly did wonders for my mood. Now excuse me while I go google mermaid tails 👀.
I'd been waiting for my THIRSTY MERMAIDS hold for what seems like foreeeever, and while I had high expectations for this one (I looooved Snapdragon), Kat Leyh's adult romp did *not* disappoint. It's got merfolk magic, bewbs, and jokes! I mean what more could anyone possibly want?
Jk jk. (Not about the bewbs, though. They're definitely in there.)
But so is a lot of emotional content! I teared up several times for real, and now all I want is to have my own mermaid pod off the coast of Puerto Rico .
So yeah, if you're looking for a funny pick-me-up, I would highly recommend this one. It honestly did wonders for my mood. Now excuse me while I go google mermaid tails 👀.
December 21, 2020
This is a story about outcasts, found family, friendships and being true to yourself. But that might give you the wrong picture of a warm-hearted, child-friendly story. It is not. It features a small group of mermaids who are loud, swear a lot and drink a lot. So if you like a story with a positive message but isn’t preachy and isn’t goody-two-shoes, this is for you. The characters are quirky and enjoyable. A fun read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.
June 23, 2021
This was the drunken mermaid graphic novel I never knew I always needed in my life.
November 3, 2023
3.5 stars
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